2024 The Elemental Landscape: Plein-Air Painting with Philip Frey

With the beautiful landscapes of Acadia National Park and Schoodic Peninsula as inspiration, artist Philip Frey presents a plein-air painting workshop for dedicated painters with intermediate and advanced skills. He will offer pivotal lessons designed to develop your skills and confidence, clarify your artistic vision, and enhance your creativity as a painter. You will learn to improve your paintings by simplifying what you see, using limited palettes, and understanding the artistic principles fundamental to composition put forth by the Old Masters, Edgar Payne and others. There will be daily one-on-one instruction, demos, and group critiques. Be prepared to be challenged artistically, develop insights, and have fun while enjoying the exhilarating Maine coast.

Our inspiring painting locations will include Schoodic Point in Acadia National Park, Grindstone Neck in Winter Harbor, and Bunker’s Wharf, an authentic Downeast Maine establishment, where we will have lunch together as a group afterwards. There will be daily cocktail hours to socialize with your fellow painters. Optional offerings will include a guided nature walk on the Sun Dew Trail on campus.

Students should be able to participate in moderate walking on uneven ground while carrying painting gear (think rocks and roots on Acadia terrain) and be prepared for unpredictable Maine weather (wind, sun, bugs, and rain). In the case of rain, class will be held indoors or under cover outside. Days will start early painting on-site, with a midday break and afternoon lessons and critiques (see full schedule here). Philip will be painting in oil but has experience with acrylic, watercolor and dry media. Students may bring their medium of choice; a materials list will be sent upon registration.

Two packages are available: Commuter for $950 is the base package while Residential for $1500 provides an enhanced experience. Commuter Package includes instruction, studio time, lobster tour, and the following meals: Dinner on September 11, Bag Lunch on September 12 and 14; Lobster Dinner on September 14; and Lunch on September 15. Residential Package includes everything in the Commuter Package, plus: lodging the nights of September 11 – 14; Dinner on September 11 – 14; and Breakfast on September 12 – 15. Lodging with the Residential Package is a PRIVATE bedroom within a SHARED apartment. Living area, kitchen, and bathroom will be shared with another student. A limited number of private apartments are available for an up-charge. Contact Michelle Pinkham at 207-288-1356 for pricing and availability.

Experience in plein-air painting and good drawing skills at the intermediate or advanced level are required of students. An application and image submissions will be required for admission to the workshop this year. We will email applicants within 5 days of submission. If accepted, we will send a link for registration and further details.

Also note, a National Park pass valid for Acadia National Park is required.

About the Instructor
Philip Frey is a celebrated career artist and instructor with a 2018 published book, Philip Frey: Here and Now, by Daniel Kany and Carl Little. 2024 exhibitions are scheduled at Cove Street Arts, Courthouse Gallery Fine Art, and Greenhut Galleries. Philip is known for his engaging, illuminating and positive teaching style. He is skilled at addressing his students’ abilities and helping them mature as an artist.

Queennette Santiago of Petaluma, CA writes:

Phil Frey is not only an inspiringly dynamic artist but a patient and insightful teacher. His workshop transformed the way I look at the world and how I now approach the ever daunting blank canvas… which is now with confident intention! Having access to and learning from an artist of his caliber is truly a gift.

See more testimonials on Phil Frey’s website: https://www.philipfrey.com/teaching